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  • 294. Use Your Teacher Skills to Simplify the Holidays

    294. Use Your Teacher Skills to Simplify the Holidays
    2026/11/09
    December can feel overwhelming when your school responsibilities collide with gifts, gatherings, and everyday tasks at home. In this episode, we’re shifting our focus from your classroom to your home with three practical ways to simplify your routines and prioritize what matters most. With a little planning and a willingness to let some things go, you can head into winter break with more energy to enjoy the season instead of spending it recovering from the chaos.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/holiday-stress-for-teachers/Resources:Reclaim Your Winter Break ChallengeHoliday Headstart PlaybookChristmas Snack Containers with LidCaddy basketOrder our book: Structure and SparkJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on SpotifyRelated Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 168. How Teachers Can Get a Jumpstart on a Stress-Free Winter BreakEpisode 169. Our Best Teacher Tips for Finding Pockets of Prep Time to Get Ahead for JanuaryEpisode 209. The Most Important Back-To-School Prep No One Talks AboutEpisode 234. How to Plan Teaching in December So January Feels EasyEpisode 236. Your Tired Teacher Guide to January Prep from Your CouchEpisode 276. The Real Reason Teachers Are Exhausted in AugustHoliday Headstart Episode 13. Holiday Housekeeping: How a December Upkeep Plan Will Save Your SanityMentioned in this episode:Reclaim Your Winter Break: a free 4-day challenge with Heidi and Emily, November 15–18. Get ahead of January now so you can leave school behind and enjoy your time off: https://secondstorywindow.net/winterbreak
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    25 分
  • 293. 3 Things Smart Teachers Do Before December Hits

    293. 3 Things Smart Teachers Do Before December Hits
    2026/11/02
    December has a way of sneaking up on you, and suddenly your classroom routines are unraveling while your energy and to-do list are stretched to the limit. In this episode, we’re sharing how to use November to get ahead of the December chaos by prioritizing what matters, letting go of what can wait, and creating a realistic plan. Our goal is to prepare for the predictable so you have room for the unpredictable and can head into the holiday season feeling more prepared.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/december-teacher-planning/Resources:National Park puzzle badge bannerBarebells Corn Crunch Protein BarsReclaim Your Winter Break ChallengeOrder our book: Structure and SparkJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on SpotifyRelated Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 36. How Teachers Can Plan Lessons The Week Before a Holiday BreakEpisode 105. Festive Fun in December: Engaging Holiday Activities to Do With Your ClassEpisode 171. 5 Tried and True Tips for Teaching in DecemberEpisode 233. The Smooth December Framework Every Teacher Needs (And It Starts in November)Episode 234. How to Plan Teaching in December So January Feels EasyEpisode 235. 4 Teacher-Approved Ways to Manage Classroom Behavior in DecemberMentioned in this episode:Reclaim Your Winter Break: a free 4-day challenge with Heidi and Emily, November 15–18. Get ahead of January now so you can leave school behind and enjoy your time off: https://secondstorywindow.net/winterbreak
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    18 分
  • 292. 5 Reliable Steps to Stop Classroom Behavior Problems

    292. 5 Reliable Steps to Stop Classroom Behavior Problems
    2026/10/26

    When classroom behavior starts to slide, it can feel like your only options are to ignore it or stop everything to shut it down. In this episode, we’re sharing our four-step behavior response ladder, plus how to use consequences that teach instead of punish. We talk about avoiding power struggles, creating predictable expectations, and recognizing signs that a student needs more support. Disruption in the classroom will inevitably happen, but when you already have a plan to deal with it, you’ll be able to respond to off-task behavior while you keep the learning going!

    Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-behavior-management-strategies/

    Resources:

    • Trashie Take Back Bags
    • Card Shuffler
    • Order our book: Structure and Spark
    • Join The Teacher Approved Club
    • Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
    • Shop our teacher-approved resources
    • Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group
    • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
    • Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

    Related Episodes to Enjoy:

    • Episode 102. Classroom Behavior Problems: How to Plan Ahead to Handle Them Effectively
    • Episode 164. Why You Need a Classroom Carpet and How to Manage Student Behavior
    • Episode 282. 3 Ways to Hold Students Accountable to Your Classroom Expectations
    • Episode 285. Positive Classroom Culture is Your Management Secret Weapon
    • Episode 290. How to Read the Room When Student Behavior Feels Off

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Reclaim Your Winter Break: a free 4-day challenge with Heidi and Emily, November 15–18. Get ahead of January now so you can leave school behind and enjoy your time off: https://secondstorywindow.net/winterbreak
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    26 分
  • 291. Can't Miss Classic: Halloween Classroom Management That Actually Works

    291. Can't Miss Classic: Halloween Classroom Management That Actually Works
    2026/10/19

    Halloween in the classroom can be a whole lot of fun, but when the excitement starts climbing, it can feel like you’re trying to teach a room full of caffeinated squirrels! In this classic replay episode, we’re sharing our Halloween survival guide for keeping the fun without letting your classroom structure fall apart. We talk about how to keep your core routines intact while sprinkling in just enough seasonal magic, how to plan ahead with a Plan B schedule, and how to manage parties, costumes, treats, brain breaks, and all that extra energy. The big idea? Follow the candy rule: a handful of fun can create some pretty magical classroom moments, but a whole bucket can lead straight to chaos.

    Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/halloween-classroom-management/

    Resources:

    • Shop all our Halloween resources here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/product-category/halloween/
    • Order our book: Structure and Spark
    • Join The Teacher Approved Club
    • Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
    • Shop our teacher-approved resources
    • Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group
    • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
    • Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

    Related Episodes to Enjoy:

    • Episode 33. Class Party Success - Our 7 Step Class Party Planning Checklist
    • Episode 34. Plan the Perfect Halloween Class Party With 7 Easy Steps
    • Episode 96. How to Plan an Amazing 2nd Grade Class Halloween Party

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Reclaim Your Winter Break: a free 4-day challenge with Heidi and Emily, November 15–18. Get ahead of January now so you can leave school behind and enjoy your time off: https://secondstorywindow.net/winterbreak
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    24 分
  • 290. How to Read the Room When Student Behavior Feels Off

    290. How to Read the Room When Student Behavior Feels Off
    2026/10/12
    What if the behavior you’re seeing in your classroom is actually giving you useful information? In this episode, we’re looking at how to read the energy in your classroom, use (you guessed it!) structure and spark to understand what students need, and make small, targeted adjustments instead of changing the whole lesson. We’re sharing real classroom examples and talking about why observing before intervening can help you respond to student behavior in more effective ways.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-management-strategies/Resources:Darling Desi on YouTubeMy Moonstone KitchenGhost figurinesOrder our book: Structure and SparkJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on SpotifyRelated Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 282. 3 Ways to Hold Students Accountable to Your Classroom ExpectationsEpisode 175. 10 Easy Ways to Prevent Behavior Problems Before They Start [Fan Fave]Episode 161. How to Get Students Actively Engaged: 5 Teacher Approved TechniquesEpisode 165. Keeping Students Engaged All Year Long, No Matter the SeasonEpisode 35. 5 Ways to Increase Student Engagement – Our Secret Weapon for TeachersEpisode 246. Why Your Test Review Isn’t Working (And What to Do Instead)Mentioned in this episode:Reclaim Your Winter Break: a free 4-day challenge with Heidi and Emily, November 15–18. Get ahead of January now so you can leave school behind and enjoy your time off: https://secondstorywindow.net/winterbreak
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    25 分
  • 289. How to Boost Engagement and Keep Students Thinking with Guided Notes

    289. How to Boost Engagement and Keep Students Thinking with Guided Notes
    2026/10/05

    There’s nothing quite like looking around your classroom mid-lesson and wondering, “Are they learning, or am I just talking?” In this episode, we’re talking about student engagement and how guided notes can keep students thinking during instruction. We break down five steps for creating guided notes that encourage students to make connections and show what they understand, plus ways to use those notes for study guides, retrieval practice, warm-ups, and exit tickets. The goal isn’t simply to keep kids busy. It’s to create meaningful opportunities for students to think and stay engaged while you teach!

    Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/guided-notes/

    Resources:

    • Order our book: Structure and Spark
    • Halloween Resources
    • Victoria Magazine
    • Join The Teacher Approved Club
    • Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
    • Shop our teacher-approved resources
    • Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group
    • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
    • Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

    Related Episodes to Enjoy:

    • Episode 161. How to Get Students Actively Engaged: 5 Teacher Approved Techniques
    • Episode 165. Keeping Students Engaged All Year Long, No Matter the Season
    • Episode 35. 5 Ways to Increase Student Engagement – Our Secret Weapon for Teachers
    • Episode 33. Class Party Success – Our 7 Step Class Party Planning Checklist
    • Episode 34. Plan the Perfect Halloween Class Party With 7 Easy Steps
    • Episode 96. How to Plan an Amazing 2nd Grade Class Halloween Party

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Reclaim Your Winter Break: a free 4-day challenge with Heidi and Emily, November 15–18. Get ahead of January now so you can leave school behind and enjoy your time off: https://secondstorywindow.net/winterbreak
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    22 分
  • 288. Can't Miss Classic: Your Seating Chart Could Fix Classroom Behavior

    288. Can't Miss Classic: Your Seating Chart Could Fix Classroom Behavior
    2026/09/28

    Once you’ve had a few weeks to get to know your students, it’s the perfect time to take another look at your seating chart. In this replay episode, we’re sharing our best strategies for choosing a seating arrangement, using proximity to keep students on task, and recognizing when a seating setup that worked at first is no longer working for your classroom. We’ll help you make strategic seating changes that support smoother classroom management and a more productive learning environment.

    Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-seating-arrangements/

    Resources:

    • Order our book: Structure and Spark
    • Editable Seating Chart Maker
    • Join The Teacher Approved Club
    • Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
    • Shop our teacher-approved resources
    • Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group
    • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
    • Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

    Related Episodes to Enjoy:

    • Episode 102. Classroom Behavior Problems: How to Plan Ahead to Handle Them Effectively
    • Episode 164. Why You Need a Classroom Carpet and How to Manage Student Behavior
    • Episode 285. Positive Classroom Culture is Your Management Secret Weapon
    • Episode 282. 3 Ways to Hold Students Accountable to Your Classroom Expectations

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Reclaim Your Winter Break: a free 4-day challenge with Heidi and Emily, November 15–18. Get ahead of January now so you can leave school behind and enjoy your time off: https://secondstorywindow.net/winterbreak
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    22 分
  • 287. The Friday Teacher Routine That Makes Monday Easier

    287. The Friday Teacher Routine That Makes Monday Easier
    2026/09/21

    Mondays can feel overwhelming when you’re carrying unfinished tasks and trying to remember EVERYTHING that needs to happen! In this episode, we’re sharing a 5-step weekly reset to help you wrap up loose ends, prepare for the week ahead, and create a clearer starting point for Monday. It’s not about getting everything done, it’s about being prepared with a plan!

    Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/weekly-reset-for-teachers/

    Resources:

    • Order our book: Structure and Spark
    • TheraICE Migraine Relief Cap
    • Muse Apothecary Pillow Ritual: Calming Pillow Mist
    • Join The Teacher Approved Club
    • Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
    • Shop our teacher-approved resources
    • Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group
    • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
    • Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

    Related Episodes to Enjoy:

    • Episode 93. Teacher Morning Routine: 10 Tips for Creating Your Perfect Plan
    • Episode 243. How to Protect Your Planning Time (So You Can Stop Working For Free)
    • Episode 147. Teacher Approved Tips: How to Plan Ahead for Future Problems!
    • Episode 228. The Simple 6-Step Plan for Resetting After a Sub

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Reclaim Your Winter Break: a free 4-day challenge with Heidi and Emily, November 15–18. Get ahead of January now so you can leave school behind and enjoy your time off: https://secondstorywindow.net/winterbreak
    続きを読む 一部表示
    26 分